DEIRDRE FULTON

Latest Articles

Maine retreats offer a chance to recharge and reconnect — with yourself, your partner, or the spiritual world Believe it or not, there are some people who seek to "get" something out of their vacations beyond a sunburn and a souvenir mug.

Going green Estimates vary, but it's safe to say that restaurants, institutions (such as colleges or hospitals), and municipalities waste tons of food every year; last September, a group of students at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor noticed that such waste was happening all around them.

Patent pending There was a priceless article in last week's Portland Press Herald about the "Platter Ensemble," a new "invention" — a slotted plate that fits over a deep-dish platter in order to catch the juices that sometimes squirt out of a freshly cracked lobster.

Planting Seeds The plan was simple, if nerdy: New York novelist and English teacher Richard Horan would visit the historic sites and childhood homes of famous authors (along with some notable historical and cultural figures).

Small farmers demand independence from agrobusiness industry rules "From farm to table" isn't just a meaningless foodie slogan anymore. It's the rallying cry for the smallest of small-scale farming operations in Maine, which are fighting against what they consider to be burdensome state and federal regulations.

Give peace a chance The death of Osama bin Laden and the impending 10-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks have many people contemplating the gains and futility of nearly a decade of American engagement overseas.

Documentary investigates the suburban animal kingdom There are more tigers in Texas than in India, according to Michael Webber's award-wining documentary, The Elephant In the Living Room , which plays next weekend at Movies at the Museum at the Portland Museum of Art.

Maine's majority When Governor Paul LePage returned to the Blaine House after his Jamaican vacation on Monday, he got a special welcome-home gift: an oversized card, signed by 1300 of his constituents (plus some balloons and Jamaican Me Crazy coffee!).

Crystal ball A few years ago, the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders — a Boston-based legal advocacy organization — launched a "6 x 12" campaign to secure marriage rights for gay couples across New England by 2012.

Digging up cathartic childhood memories There is an idyllic pull to the homesteading lifestyle, especially when such a back-to-the-land experiment is undertaken on the coast of Maine, where rocky shores abut dense woods and merely breathing the air imparts rural spirit and pluck.

In the field Starting with a New England expedition this summer, three local young women are launching an independent school that will eventually have its home base in Maine, while finding roots all over the country.

Inside looking out So said the five boys who performed in front of about 50 relatives, teachers, law-enforcement officers, and community members at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland last week.

Conservative commute Every day, thousands of workers in who live in the Lewiston-Auburn region — where real estate is more affordable — get in their cars and drive to Portland — where there are more jobs.